Tulsa Homelessness Declines For First Time In 5 Years
- mike33692
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Tulsa Homelessness Numbers Decline For First Time In Five Years
For the first time in five years, the number of people experiencing homelessness in Tulsa has stopped increasing, according to newly released data from the 2026 Point-in-Time Count.
The annual Tulsa homelessness report found that 1,443 people were experiencing homelessness on the night of January 22, 2026 — six fewer individuals than the previous year.
While the decline is relatively small, housing advocates and city officials say the new numbers represent an important turning point after years of steady increases across the Tulsa area.
According to Housing Solutions Tulsa, this marks the first annual decrease in homelessness since the COVID-era housing assistance programs implemented between 2020 and 2021.
“This is the first time that homelessness hasn’t increased annually in the last five years,” said Housing Solutions CEO Mark Smith. “So I think that shows that our community is starting to head in the right direction.”
Tulsa Homelessness Report Shows Majority Sheltered
The annual Point-in-Time Count is conducted every January by volunteers and outreach workers who attempt to count every person sleeping outdoors, in shelters, or in transitional housing throughout Tulsa County.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the count is federally mandated nationwide and helps determine future homelessness funding allocations.
The new Tulsa homelessness report found that 77% of people counted were staying in shelters or transitional housing programs rather than sleeping outdoors.
Housing advocates say the numbers also reveal several ongoing trends driving homelessness throughout the region.
The top contributing factors identified in this year’s survey included:
Lack of affordable housing
Loss of income or benefits
Mental health challenges
Job loss
Substance-use disorders
According to Housing Solutions data, average apartment rent in Tulsa has increased from $829 in early 2020 to $1,054 during the first quarter of 2026.
Mental Health And Domestic Violence Remain Major Factors
The latest Tulsa homelessness report also found rising mental health struggles among people experiencing housing instability.
Advocates say the increase reinforces the growing need to combine housing services with expanded behavioral health support programs.
According to survey data, 33% of respondents reported experiencing domestic violence either before or during homelessness.
Additionally, 77% reported having a disabling condition, while 8% identified as military veterans.
Officials also noted that 71% of surveyed individuals lost housing specifically within Tulsa, while 90% first experienced homelessness somewhere within Oklahoma.
Tulsa Housing Programs Showing Signs Of Progress
Officials say broader housing efforts throughout Tulsa may now be beginning to stabilize the crisis.
According to A Way Home for Tulsa, more than 1,100 people were rehoused during 2025 alone — a 28% increase compared to 2024.
Since 2020, more than 5,300 people have reportedly been placed into housing through Tulsa’s Continuum of Care system, with 86% not returning to homelessness afterward.
“Just in 2026 alone, service providers have already rehoused over 450 people,” Smith said. “So we’re trending in that direction that when we do this count again next January, if we all stay committed, we’ll see significant progress.”
The next Point-in-Time Count is scheduled for January 2027.--SOURCE KOTV
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